Saturday, January 28, 2012

Valentine's Day is one holiday that most people either love or hate. Typically people in a relationship, and especially women, are people who are more likely to like Valentine's Day. And single people and men seem to hate it; although there are always exceptions to both scenarios.

When I was growing up I loved Valentine's Day. I thought it was sweet and romantic even though I probably didn't even fully understand what romantic meant. I loved it because school automatically became a fun day with very little that related to our studies to be done! It was a day of yummy snacks and fun activities, and handing out little Valentines to our classmates. I remember each one of us would decorate our shoe "mail" box, hoping that our classmates would fill them up on this special day. And at home my parents would give me a small gift, a card, and some candy. It was indeed a great time.

As I progressed to high school my love of Valentine's Day waned because it became less of a group sport, and more a holiday exclusive to couples. So if you were single or had a boyfriend who really didn't do anything to celebrate, you could easily just skip right past this holiday...there would be no balloons, flowers, candy, or stuffed animals for you, and you would have to oooh and ahh over your friend's gifts while going empty handed.

Then I met my husband. and everything changed. He was always excited, sometimes even a little too excited, when this holiday would come around. I could usually expect a nice piece of jewelry, perfume, or flowers along with a beautiful card, during those first years. But over time I begin to realize that I didn't even need those tokens of love because I experienced it daily. Also, I began to think of the impracticality of some of the gifts I received over the years. Flowers will fade, chocolates will just make me plumper, expensive jewelry will break the budget, and perfume is definitely something one should choose for themselves. Yes, as I became an adult, I found myself becoming more practicl than romantic about this holiday.

Today I am still a sucker for a beautiful card, and I still love to give them to my husband and my friends as much as I love receiving them.. But I've become more smart (sneaky) about directing my husband in the direction of specific items I desire for Valentine's Day. You didn't really think that last beautiful Tyler he gave me got here by accident, now did you?

We play this little "game" where I leave a note that I'd love to have item x (doll, outfit for doll, doll furniture - well, you get my drift) located on a particular website -- with the url added at the end. Or I sometimes just leave my computer for a bit while it is strategically on an item I'd love to have. Believe me, my dolls and I have never been happier!! Take this tip and you might feel the same.

Now on to the purpose of this blog. The shop owners of CDS are offering up our traditioal Valentine cards and we hope you will enjoy them. It is one of the cards we use throughout the year to especially let you kow how much we appreciate each and every one of you! And, I they are coming to you just in time for you to help your hubby/significant other to "discover" an item or items you really desire - this Valentine's Day you will not want to leave anything to chance. Now on with the show!

Ooh La Laz, Couture Court

Romance awaits her in this sweetheart ensemble. White cotton eyelet, white laces and ribbons, white pantaloons, embellished lace choker, slip and a lace up corset in a delicate red floral print. Gayle Chavez created this with the thought of your lovely wearing it all year round.

BW Designs,, Maiin Street

Pauline Lyngard's contribution to the Heartfelt Happening is "Puppy Love"! This consists of a two piece, soft pink, 100% silk, poodle print dress. It is lined in cotton. A recycled fur wrap completes this ensemble. Any fashionable lady would love to wear this while "walking" her fashionable dogs!

Aponi Designs, Couture Court

Judy O'Connell presents “Wild Romance”. It fits Barbie® and similar sized dolls. Included is a red faux fur swing jacket with leopard print lining; and a sheath dress of leopard print cotton lined in red china silk. It features a square neckline and comes with a red vinyl belt. Other accessories include a leopard ultra suede clutch, black gloves, black ultra suede hat lined in leopard with feather, tulle and silk bow accents, a gold-tone chain necklace, matching bracelet and gold-tone hoop earrings.

Click Designs by Kevin, Designer Drive

Kevin Kilmer's Veronique is reveling in her runway outing for Valentines Day in "BE MY VALENTINE." It is made from red stretch micro sequins material, The shoulder has a huge silver sequined shoulder pad, and the one-sleeved design features a tulle cuff area that is beaded and sequined to complete the look, The gown has no need for closures as it slips on.

Francesca's Doll Couture, Couture Court

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Frances Weir offers a trio of sassy satin outfits, sewn especially for your Silkstone dolls. The three "Vogue" styles are constructed from red and white and red heart print satin, and together form the "Silkstone Valentine Sweethearts." The first outfit is a two piece play suit that features a collared, sleeveless blouse and fully lined capris slacks with red satin bows at the knee. The outfit includes a red silk scarf and an open silver tote bag, lined in red satin, with red and silver cord handles. Next is the long evening gown which features a dart fitted, collared red satin bodice with red satin rose at the waist and a full, circular skirt. The gown is accessorized with a non-opening silver evening bag with a silver cord shoulder strap, a necklace in silver tone metal with a tiny rhinestone flower, and a unique ribbon fascinator. The evening gown is fully lined. The last outfit is the cocktail dress which features a princess line bodice, in red satin, with a dropped waist and a gathered, circular skirt detailed with a red satin bow. This dress also is fully lined and accessorized with a red faux leather, non-opening purse with a silver metal chain strap, clasp with a ' jewel ' fob and a one of a kind feather, ribbon and sequin fascinator.

Kolkman Kreations, Designer Drive

Karen Kolkman's theme is "Sugar Plum." done in a sparkling lightweight knit. Eugenia is a "Vision" in a ruched gown combining the Sugar Plum fabric with a lovely shade of silk dupioni. A choker style neck line, single snap fastener at back of neck, and single bead strand draping on an open back are a few of the features of this lovely gown. Self lined bubble bottom adjusts to any height or position, thus fitting most 11-12" fashion dolls. This is one of four unique Valentine gowns available to purchase from Karen's website - listed in the 12" fashion sales room.

Nasha's Doll Boutique, Designer Drive

Red is the accepted color of Valentine’s Day but Elizabeth Fenton changed it up a bit. She is offering this two piece black and gold ensemble as an alternative. It is sultry and very sexy. The oriental style peignoir is cut from shimmering scrolled polyester brocade and is lined with silk charmeuse.The nightgown is black silk chiffon that features an empire bodice with a low-cut neckline. The full circle skirt is edged with lace, and crystals embellish the bodice.

Facets, Main Street

Step out in style! Marcia Friend has some hot new shoes for 16" dolls. They are available in Facet's shoe boutique and come in romantic colors, just right for that special occasion! There will be no way to resist dancing the night away in these shoes.

Cozy Doll Display Baskets, Designer Drive

These vintage linens inspired Sandee Gallo, our newest addition to CDS, to make this beautiful handmade Cozy Doll Display Basket. It is appropriately titled "Valentine Vintage Rose Floral Basket.' The oval basket measures 23 x 17 inches and will fit up to a 22 inch doll. It features beautiful rosebud floral on an ivory background with lace ruffle trim with matching skirt, and would be a wonderful way to display your special dolls while protecting them in soft beautiful bedding. Suitable for baby dolls as well as reborns.

Petra Elise Fashion Doll Couture, Main Street

Your small fashion doll will be sweetly romantic in light pink silk dupioni and ivory French lace, "Be Mine" features a strapless basque waist bodice with lace overlay and piping detail, and a full, tea-length skirt. Fully lined, with snap back closures, this outfit is one of 4 Valentine confections offered by for the 12" fashion doll---options are available for both FR and smaller busted girls.

Somethings Old, Somethings New, Designer Drive

Anna Castanes has created a special bedding set for your small fashion doll; it fits Fashion Royalty and Barbie size dolls. It will include a coverlet, sham and heart pillow. All sets will be made to order. Fabric is quilted cotton, and the sham features ribbon strips woven together. Lace is cotton. The bed or other furniture items shown are not included. Rose petals, bottle of Dom Perignon along with this romantic bed set are all that is needed for an unforgettable Valentine's Day.

Doll Fashions by Sweet Creations, Main Street.

Connie Casteel has Kaye Wiggs Annabella (MSD size BJD) modeling a cotton dress made using classic color combinations of pink & black and pink & white. The puffed sleeves have elastic in the cuff, the bodice is lined and the skirt is lined in a ruffled batiste petticoat. The skirt has been pulled up and pinned in place with a removable bow to allow the petticoat to show. Under it all are a pair of eyelet trimmed batiste pantaloons and white knit stockings.

Green Thread Design Studio, Designer Drive.

Mary Watson presents a lovely Valentine’s Dress made of red and white dotted swiss with bias cut gingham edging. The heart shaped bodice is lined with a red and white floral print. The design was inspired by 60s fashions for the Bild Lilli Doll so Mary created a dress that reflects that era. Its fitted waist is adorned with velvet flowers, silk ribbons and netting. At her shop you can view this dress and other creations for your 1/6 scale doll.

Madeleine Rose Couture Boutique, Main Street

"Dark Heart" Is what lies beneath her beauty. Lori Lyon features Nemesis (Numina Egan) modeling gown with a black velveteen bodice, with a single asymmetrical strap accented with a bow, and deco style brooch. The voluptuous skirt of ivory mesh decorated with black velvet and silver dots in a pattern beckoning of upside down hearts screams Valentie (or special occasion)! Underneath a full twelve layered tulle petticoat provides the fullness that makes this gown reminiscent of the glamorous era of the 1950's. On her feet, are glittering silver mules to accent the silver sparkles in her gown. Gown and shoes available at her shop in the OOAK section.

Olive Martini Bar, Couture Court

This year at the Olive Martini Bar, Barb Johnson has concocted a colorful Valentine's Day Special in 1:6 scale… and she thinks it's a real "Charmer." This offering is a rich pink Champagne in the daintiest flute glass. Barb added an extra touch of love and romance with a flourish of ruby red Swarovski crystals and silver heart shaped charms. And she's presenting this love potion on a custom-designed tray featuring a pink mirror and silvery trim. Of course, the presentation wouldn't be complete without a token of flowers and candies; and she's provided that, too ... purely for your enjoyment and FuN!

XXtra Fashionable, Couture Court

Valentine's Heart is Karen Daniels presentation. It is a cotton sheath style fitted dress with coordinating hat and matching belt. The dress is fully lined with a back placket closure with 3 snaps and a hand stitched hem. The matching belt has a tiny gold circular buckle. Ellowyne's sinamy hat with matching hatband has a pink silk flower, white rose, white rose bud, pink wild rose, and a large irridescent pink bow to finish it off. Tyler's hat also has a matching hatband, pink silk flowers, baby's breath and a little pink grosgrain ribbon with a tiny pink heart in the centre of the bow.

Now just before you dash off to see all the lovely new items on Couturedollshop.com, feel free to leave us a commet. We'd like to know what everyone's thoughts are on Valentine's Day? And, what are your plans for this Valentine's Day? Also, is there somethig specific you haven't seen in our shops that you would like to see?? Thanks and see you next time!!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Just stopping by to give you an update on the prize given during our
Holiday Happening, and to tell you about some special events our members
have been involved with. Our winner, Nilsa Donelan, has received her
prize!

Anna Castanes -- Nilsa wrote and told me she just loved what Anna sent her! In fact. she was so excited she made a special diorama for me to share with you. Congratulations, Nilsa, and our thanks to Anna Castanes of Somethings Old, Somethings New on Designer Drive, for providing this lovely prize.

Elisa Cetera -- During late 2011, Elisa Cetera, shop owner of PetraElise Fashion Doll Couture on Main Street, was proud to offer an exclusive fashion to members of Doll Divas. If you are not familiar with DD, it is one of the fave doll talk boards for savvy doll fashionistas. Designed for the smaller busted girls such as Poppy Parker, Nu.Face and BFMC, the strapless mini was available in five color/patterns of silk brocade imported from England. Included here is a picture of one of the versions.

Rosy Bazile -- December 2011 found Rosy Bazile of L'Atelier de Rosy on Designer Drive busy participating in the Third Annual Black Doll Convention in Paris, France. This is the first Black Doll Convention held in France, and it was organized by Rosine Modor. Rosy feels it is important to participate in this convention because it helps acquaint people with the history, as well as the different kinds, of Black dolls.

The convention portrays a lot of traditional (Martinique, Guadeloupe, African) black dolls as well as the modern ones Rosy contributes. I'm glad she brought this to my attention because this was one convention I wasn't familiar with...and I don't think any of us have found a doll convention we don't like! Pictured here are dolls shown at the convention. The Martinique and Guadeloupe traditional dresses were made by Rosy's friend, Hélène Svahnstrom, and the modern ones were made by Rosy.

Hilda Westervelt -- If you were lucky enough to snag a copy of the now sold out WINTER 2011 issue of Fashion Doll Quarterly's magazine titled STYLE! perhaps you've already spotted the great pattern provided by Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture on Main Street. You may still get the opportunity to make Joan's wiggle dress from her pattern but you'll need to hurry! I found some available over at Angelic Dreamz, and some of the local brick and mortar book stores still have it!

Larraine Elcock -- She wears a lot of hats including being the Tech for CDS' website, and running several stores on Main Street including Fringe Elements, Auction Fever, Azone, and PB Factory.. She also chairs the Couture Doll Design Challenge. and is bringing it back with a brand new look -- CDDC4 will officially begin again February 4th! This year the contestants will be competing at three levels: Beginners, Intermediates, and Professionals.

Two new judges will also be joining their returning Resident Judge Rob Thompson -but they are yet to be disclosed. You'll be able to keep up with this competition through the website, and on the CDDC blog. If you would like to enter the competition please email Larraine with a short bio and some photos of your work - but hurry! She'll only be taking applications through January 15th.

IDEX will be celebrating "A World of Quality Collectibles and
Playthings" at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld® in Orlando, Florida
on January 26-29, 2012. The exhibitor list is filled with doll
manufacturers and artists from all over the world. For a complete list,
and all other information about this event you will want to visit their website.
And, if you're going to attend this year, be sure to meet the three
very talented and nice CDS shop owners who will be there; Terry Barner,
Durelle Brown, and George Gonzalez. Here's some information about them.

Terry Barner -- owner of Off the Wall by Terrkat on Designer Drive, has
joined Horsman Limited's Design Team recently, and has already submitted
three face paints for Vita for production and has a fourth in
progress. He is excited that he will also have an opportunity to
create a whole doll from top to bottom for them, although he's not sure
what direction he'll look to for creating this doll yet. Terry can be
found in the Horsman booth where you will also find all of the fabulous
things they have on display this year. For more information about
Horsman, Ltd. you can check out their website.

Durelle Brown -- Travel in Style with her at IDEX. This Chic
Indulgence on Main Street shop owner will be giving only one workshop
there this year, so take advantage of this opportunity to meet her! You
can take her workshop on Friday, January 27th from 9 am till noon, and for a reasonable fee you'll learn how to make your own vintage-inspired
three-piece luggage set for 16 inch dolls that includes a pullman, train
case, and hat box. Complete information on this and all workshops can
be found on the IDEX website.
You might also find her around the Doll Reader booth if she has time. She
will have a pattern in their new pattern book - so you'll want to be on
the lookout for that soon.

George Gonzalez is the owner of Angelic Dreamz on CDS' Couture Court,
and at 13 Niagara St. in the Historic Downtown district of
Canandaigua, NY. He will be at IDEX showing both the newest and existing
JAMIEshow collections including the St. Tropez Collection, the new
Rooted Wig Collection, JAMIEshow Shoes and Accessories, as well as their
newest introduction, MADAME Eshe!

George said AD will be introducing
new dolls such as a new mini collection and an Exclusive IDEX doll - and
perhaps a few things they were still working on when I caught up with him! Find all the fun with
George at AD's Booth 301, where dolls and other items will be available
to purchase and take home.

Wow, everyone has been so busy - but I'm still going to check what's going on over at CDS - I've heard a rumor they are already working on their Valentine lines! Happy shopping, fashionistas!